The beginnings of something very, very cool...

"Quest for Glory" is one great computer game series. It chronicles the adventures of a Hero (with a capital "H") who travels the world, combats evil, and gradually evolves from a wimpy dweeb to a world-class tough guy.

Players are allowed to choose between three separate "character classes" for the Hero - fighter, wizard, and thief. Each different type of character gets to experience his own unique "side" quests, and solve some of the major in-game puzzles in different ways. This system of differentiating the character types grants all of the "Quest for Glory" games significant replay value.

"So You Want to Be a Hero" is the first game in the series, and, in many ways, it's the best. (I should probably point out now that I'm reviewing the VGA "remake" of the game, released in 1992 - the original EGA version came out a few years earlier. I prefer the VGA version for the very simple reason that it's much prettier!) The game's storyline is relatively straightforward, but it's spiced up by colorful locations and memorable characters, some of whom are based on real-life mythology (like Baba Yaga).

Almost uniquely for a Sierra "adventure" game, "So You Want to Be a Hero" has a loose and mostly non-linear structure, so players can get through it at their own pace. This makes the game much more fluid and less aggravating than adventure games with more rigid structures. Another strong point is the combat system, which is excellent in both the EGA and VGA versions.

In some respects, I prefer the fourth game in the "Quest for Glory" series, "Shadows of Darkness," because it has more depth and better developed characters. But in other respects the first game is better, since it's quicker to play, more fun, and less buggy. I suppose I favor one or the other simply based on my mood.

Here's my quick run-down on all the games in the series: 

So You Want to Be a Hero - 10/10: a real blast.

Trial by Fire - 9/10: interesting plot, but the story is too linear.

Wages of War - 7/10: OK, but burdened with a preachy message and boring bad guys.

Shadows of Darkness - 10/10: a masterpiece if you can navigate those pesky technical flaws. Katrina is foxy.

Dragon Fire - 7/10: a pretty game with some good side-plots, but it places too much emphasis on action.

The action genre features fast-paced, thrilling, and intense sequences of physical feats, combat, and excitement. The characters of these stories are involved in daring and often dangerous situations, requiring them to rely on their physical prowess, skills, and quick thinking to overcome challenges and adversaries.

The adventure genre features exciting journeys, quests, or expeditions undertaken by characters who often face challenges, obstacles, and risks in pursuit of a goal. Adventures can take place in a wide range of settings, from exotic and fantastical locations to historical or even everyday environments.

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

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The fantasy genre features imaginative and often magical worlds, characters, and events. It explores realms beyond the boundaries of reality, featuring elements such as magic, mythical creatures, supernatural powers, and fantastical settings. These stories can take place in entirely fictional worlds or blend fantastical elements with real-world settings.

Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

The mystery genre features the investigation and solving of a puzzle, typically a crime or an enigmatic event. Mysteries are known for their suspenseful narratives, intricate plots, and the challenge they present to readers or viewers to piece together clues and solve the central mystery alongside the characters.

Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in Chinatown (1974)

Quest for Glory I: So You Want to Be a Hero

Do you want to be a hero? If so, then there is a good job waiting for you! Here is the little town of Spielburg, populated mostly by beer-drinking humans and some centaurs who like working in the field. Spielburg is surrounded by forests and mountains, where all kinds of weird creatures dwell: ogres, goblins, talking foxes, stupid magicians, and others. Lately, Spielburg has been assaulted by brigands. The town has everything it needs, except a strong, brave hero that would protect it.

Quest for Glory I: So You Want to Be a Hero (1992)

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Quest for Glory I: So You Want to Be a Hero (1989)

Quest for Glory I: So You Want to Be a Hero

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